Dropping your baby off at daycare for the first time can be a whirlwind of emotions. Will they be happy? Will they make friends? And, most importantly for many sleep-deprived parents, will they nap?!
While daycare can be amazing for socialising and development, it can also disrupt your carefully crafted sleep routine. Different caregivers, new environments, and exciting activities can all make it challenging for your little one to settle down and get the rest they need.
But don’t worry! With a little preparation and communication, you can help your baby (and yourself!) navigate this transition and ensure those precious naps aren’t lost in the daycare shuffle.
Nap Goals: Aiming for Consistency
The key to successful daycare naps is consistency. As much as possible, try to replicate your home sleep routine and environment in the daycare setting. Here’s how:
- Independent Sleep is Key: If your baby has already mastered the art of falling asleep independently at home, fantastic! Encourage the daycare providers to continue this practice by placing your baby in their crib awake. This prevents your little one from becoming reliant on rocking, feeding, or other sleep props.
- Say “No” to Old Habits: It can be tempting to revert to old sleep crutches when your baby is in a new environment. However, resist the urge to have caregivers rock or feed your baby to sleep. This may create confusion and make it harder for your baby to settle down independently in the long run. But some form of assistance is also acceptable while the teachers are taking care of a few kids at the same time.
- Naptime Sync: Provide the daycare with your baby’s usual nap schedule and stick to it as closely as possible. This helps regulate their internal clock and makes it easier for them to fall asleep at the expected times.
Maintaining Routines: Communication is Crucial
Clear communication with your daycare provider is essential for maintaining healthy sleep habits. Here’s what you need to discuss:
- Naptime Know-How: Share your baby’s nap schedule, including preferred sleep times and wake windows. Explain the importance of age-appropriate wake windows to prevent overtiredness.
- Feeding Strategies: For bottle-fed babies, emphasize the importance of the EAT-PLAY-SLEEP routine. This helps establish healthy eating habits and prevents your baby from associating feeding with sleep. Remember, solid foods can be offered at any time and don’t need to be tied to the nap schedule.
- Pre-Nap Rituals: Share your baby’s naptime routine in detail. Whether it’s a diaper change, a specific sleep sack, a quick story, or a soothing song, these familiar cues will signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep, even in a new environment.
A Sample Naptime Routine:
- Diaper Change: Ensure your baby is clean and comfortable.
- Sleep Sack: Dress your baby in their familiar sleep sack.
- Story Time/Songs: Read a book or two or sing a couple of lullabies.
- White Noise: Turn on a white noise machine to block out distractions.
- Crib Time: Lay your baby down in their crib awake.
Handling Protests: Guidance for Caregivers
Even with the best routines in place, there might be times when your baby cries or protests at naptime. Here’s how you can prepare the caregivers:
- Share Your Strategies: Explain what you typically do at home when your baby resists sleep. Do you use a specific soothing technique? Giving the caregivers insight into your baby’s temperament and your usual responses can help them navigate these situations.
- Encourage Crib Settling: While caregivers may need to comfort a crying baby, encourage them to do so in the crib whenever possible. This reinforces the crib as a safe sleep space and helps your baby learn to self-soothe.
Remember, Flexibility is Key
While consistency is important, it’s also crucial to be flexible and understanding. Daycare environments are busy and unpredictable, and caregivers may need to adapt to different situations. Trust that they are doing their best to meet your baby’s needs while also managing a group of children.
Open Communication is Your Best Tool
Maintain open and honest communication with your daycare providers. Share any changes in your baby’s sleep habits or routines, and don’t hesitate to address any concerns you may have. Working together as a team will ensure that your baby gets the sleep they need to thrive, both at daycare and at home.
Still Struggling with Daycare Sleep?
If you’re still facing challenges with your little one’s sleep at daycare, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the transition, don’t hesitate to reach out. As a certified paediatric sleep consultant, I can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate these challenges and create a sleep plan that works for your family and your daycare setting.
Schedule a free 15-minute call today to discuss your concerns and learn how I can help!
By working together, we can ensure your baby gets the restful sleep they need to grow, learn, and explore their world, both at daycare and beyond.